The Rant
612 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 48 ratingsReferee's have a voice. We are always on the defensive. This is our avenue to be on the offensive. For, we have something to say.
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Episodes
Episode 369, The Rant: Bob Wotruba.
April 03, 2023 18:45 - 57 minutes - 79.1 MBEver-present spectator, Girls and Boys Basketball Official, certified Volleyball official, all while finding meaning and happiness in it all. The year was 2009, and Bob was on top of his game. Then everything - his life, reffing, all took a backseat as he suffered a heart condition during a game. In this pod, he discusses his early life playing, how he got into officiating, his come up, the aftermath of the incident, and how he is thankful in a much more meaningful way. Dedicated to his go...
Episode 368, The Rant: Tom Rottkamp
March 31, 2023 20:14 - 55 minutes - 75.9 MBHead Coach, Boy’s Varsity Basketball Team at East Meadow HS, Nassau Country local bball fiend. If there was a fancy word to describe Coach Rottkamp when it comes to basketball, it’s omnipresent. In this pod, we decompress the season that was for his Jets of East Meadow, his come up falling in love with sports, his relationship with refs, and how he will build upon the success of last season. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Rottkamp, now.;
Episode 367 - Fabian Jara - Part 3, The Rebirth.
March 29, 2023 22:55 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MBThe Basketball season is over, I’ve moved on to Flag Football and Softball, and backing my voice up with #therant. In this pod we sit with Fabe, going over his ups and downs in life, his season that was, his late night visits and talks at the Chop Shop, and how he is coping with heaviness on his brain. All that and more, we are back on Referee Rant, with Fabian - right now.
Episode 366, The Rant: Joey Mandarino, Part 2, The Return.
June 24, 2022 17:10 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBEpisode 366, The Rant: Joey Mandarino, Part 2, The Return. * Covid 19 started long ago. 2020 turned into 21’ and now we are in the throws of Summer 2022. We recorded a pod last summer, which never materialized into published. In this pod, we discuss his growth from when we first met, and the evolution of the pandemic, the evolution of him, and the Summer thats about to be. Part 2, Joey, now.
Episode 366, The Rant: Joey Mandarino, Part 2, The Return.
June 24, 2022 17:10 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBEpisode 366, The Rant: Joey Mandarino, Part 2, The Return. * Covid 19 started long ago. 2020 turned into 21’ and now we are in the throws of Summer 2022. We recorded a pod last summer, which never materialized into published. In this pod, we discuss his growth from when we first met, and the evolution of the pandemic, the evolution of him, and the Summer thats about to be. Part 2, Joey, now.
Episode 365, The Rant: Dennis Dioud Jr.
June 21, 2022 18:06 - 40 minutes - 55.3 MBCertified Basketball Official, in pursuit of being great, attempting to elevate his game to the collegiate level. In the subsequent years that I’ve known him, one thing is clear; Dennis wants to be the best he can be. In this pod, we discuss his early life, moving to Long Island, discovering officiating, and what the summer and future hold. All that and more, my conversation with Dennis, now.
Episode 365, The Rant: Dennis Dioud Jr.
June 21, 2022 18:06 - 40 minutes - 55.3 MBCertified Basketball Official, in pursuit of being great, attempting to elevate his game to the collegiate level. In the subsequent years that I’ve known him, one thing is clear; Dennis wants to be the best he can be. In this pod, we discuss his early life, moving to Long Island, discovering officiating, and what the summer and future hold. All that and more, my conversation with Dennis, now.
Episode 364, The Rant: Devine Smith - Part 2, Things Done Changed - The Return.
June 08, 2022 23:54 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBFirst of all, shouts to Devine, as he’s the fastest recurring guest in the history of this pod. In 4 short months, so many things have changed. We rechopped it up with Devine to talk about his breakout summer - his work in the community of Bay Shore and the Township of Islip, his summer Basketball League, his newly minted Flag Football League, Flag-On, and what else he’s up to this summer. All that and more, Devine, Part 2, now.
Episode 364, The Rant: Devine Smith - Part 2, Things Done Changed - The Return.
June 08, 2022 23:54 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBFirst of all, shouts to Devine, as he’s the fastest recurring guest in the history of this pod. In 4 short months, so many things have changed. We rechopped it up with Devine to talk about his breakout summer - his work in the community of Bay Shore and the Township of Islip, his summer Basketball League, his newly minted Flag Football League, Flag-On, and what else he’s up to this summer. All that and more, Devine, Part 2, now.
Episode 363, The Rant: Izzy Serrano
June 02, 2022 01:39 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBCertified Basketball Official. Taking Northern California, The Internet, and the World, by Storm. Better late than never! Albeit a few months back, we chop it up with Izzy of his incredible journey comporting to become an elite HS and aspiring Collegiate basketball official. In this pod, we discuss his love of sports, love of officiating, his season that was, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Izzy, now.
Episode 363, The Rant: Izzy Serrano
June 02, 2022 01:39 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBCertified Basketball Official. Taking Northern California, The Internet, and the World, by Storm. Better late than never! Albeit a few months back, we chop it up with Izzy of his incredible journey comporting to become an elite HS and aspiring Collegiate basketball official. In this pod, we discuss his love of sports, love of officiating, his season that was, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Izzy, now.
Episode 362, The Rant: Ralph the Ref! The Return.
May 31, 2022 20:03 - 13 minutes - 17.9 MBI got alot of names, some people say them to my face. One is a ghost, and Lord knows i’ve been one. The pod is back, I’m back. After a long lay off of ennui, we bring it back to hear stories that we find interesting, compelling, and entertaining. In this pod, we catch up with what I’ve been up, what we’ve been up to, and where we are going. All that and more. Me, on my own show. *
Episode 362, The Rant: Ralph the Ref! The Return.
May 31, 2022 20:03 - 13 minutes - 17.9 MBI got alot of names, some people say them to my face. One is a ghost, and Lord knows i’ve been one. The pod is back, I’m back. After a long lay off of ennui, we bring it back to hear stories that we find interesting, compelling, and entertaining. In this pod, we catch up with what I’ve been up, what we’ve been up to, and where we are going. All that and more. Me, on my own show. *
Episode 361, The Rant: Jerrel Harris - Texas, Part 2, The Return.
March 28, 2022 21:12 - 42 minutes - 58.8 MBImpact One, LuHI Boy’s Basketball. Impacting All. The only thing constant the past three years is deep change. In this pod, we reconnect with Jerrel to see what he’s been up to since the passing of JoJo Wright, to the recent passing of Brandon Wilson, his connection in coaching and training the young men on the LuHi Basketball team, and what he’s learned with the passage of time from when we last spoke. All that and more, part 2 with Texas, now.
Episode 361, The Rant: Jerrel Harris - Texas, Part 2, The Return.
March 28, 2022 21:12 - 42 minutes - 58.8 MBImpact One, LuHI Boy’s Basketball. Impacting All. The only thing constant the past three years is deep change. In this pod, we reconnect with Jerrel to see what he’s been up to since the passing of JoJo Wright, to the recent passing of Brandon Wilson, his connection in coaching and training the young men on the LuHi Basketball team, and what he’s learned with the passage of time from when we last spoke. All that and more, part 2 with Texas, now.
Episode 360, The Rant: Devine Smith. Former College Coach, Current HS Coach, and Head of Diverse Skill Training.
March 13, 2022 12:33 - 1 hour - 100 MBFor 20 years you can catch Devine at a sideline or bench near you. In this pod, we discuss him growing up in Harlem, him moving at an early age to Long Island, how he got into coaching, his longevity, and putting his all into the youth with Diverse Skill Training. All that and more, my conversation with Devine Smith, now.
Episode 360, The Rant: Devine Smith. Former College Coach, Current HS Coach, and Head of Diverse Skill Training.
March 13, 2022 12:33 - 1 hour - 100 MBFor 20 years you can catch Devine at a sideline or bench near you. In this pod, we discuss him growing up in Harlem, him moving at an early age to Long Island, how he got into coaching, his longevity, and putting his all into the youth with Diverse Skill Training. All that and more, my conversation with Devine Smith, now.
Episode 359, #therant: Kevin Spann. Energy on 100. Ambition on 1000. Success on 1000000.
March 08, 2022 21:53 - 1 hour - 98.2 MBIt’s only fitting I say this: Happy Birthday Kevin. In this pod, we discuss his upbringing in Chicago, getting transported to Long Island, going after it in Basketball, playing D1, coaching D3, and shining a light on youth Basketball and Women’s Basketball with “She Got Game.” All that and more, my conversation with Kevin, now.
Episode 359, #therant: Kevin Spann. Energy on 100. Ambition on 1000. Success on 1000000.
March 08, 2022 21:53 - 1 hour - 98.2 MBIt’s only fitting I say this: Happy Birthday Kevin. In this pod, we discuss his upbringing in Chicago, getting transported to Long Island, going after it in Basketball, playing D1, coaching D3, and shining a light on youth Basketball and Women’s Basketball with “She Got Game.” All that and more, my conversation with Kevin, now.
Episode 358, The Rant: Mason Fornoles. The Boy. Wonder. 9 Years. Old.
February 02, 2022 22:24 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBAs the world, turns, and time passes, I watch my first born son, Mason, Fornoles, grow up before my very eyes. In this pod, we catch up with him, about what he’s learned since the last time he’s been on the podcast, him entering 3rd, grade, learning new things like mirror writing, turning 9, and his pursuit of Sony Playstation 5. All that and more, my conversation, with Mason, now.
Episode 358, The Rant: Mason Fornoles. The Boy. Wonder. 9 Years. Old.
February 02, 2022 22:24 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBAs the world, turns, and time passes, I watch my first born son, Mason, Fornoles, grow up before my very eyes. In this pod, we catch up with him, about what he’s learned since the last time he’s been on the podcast, him entering 3rd, grade, learning new things like mirror writing, turning 9, and his pursuit of Sony Playstation 5. All that and more, my conversation, with Mason, now.
Episode 357, The Rant: John Dammer.
January 26, 2022 22:33 - 45 minutes - 61.9 MBCertified Football Official, Certified Softball Official, and Flag Football Staple. It was nearly 10 years apart from when I first reffed with John in Flag Football, until I saw him again, last summer. In this pod, we discuss his early life in the BX, him moving to Long Island and playing Soccer, how he got into officiating, and his key to longevity in officiating as a multi-sport official. All that and more, my conversation with John, now.
Episode 357, The Rant: John Dammer.
January 26, 2022 22:33 - 45 minutes - 61.9 MBCertified Football Official, Certified Softball Official, and Flag Football Staple. It was nearly 10 years apart from when I first reffed with John in Flag Football, until I saw him again, last summer. In this pod, we discuss his early life in the BX, him moving to Long Island and playing Soccer, how he got into officiating, and his key to longevity in officiating as a multi-sport official. All that and more, my conversation with John, now.
Episode 356, The Rant: Carmela Garcia, Part 2, The Return.
January 25, 2022 01:37 - 27 minutes - 38 MBSteady progress has been made all pandemic long for one Carmela Garcia, and it shows. Mentally, physically, the growth has been exponential. In this pod, we chop it up with her, to talk Soccer and Hoops, how she’s taken her craft and cancellations both in strde, and the vast improvement within life and well-being overall, all through finding purpose in officiating. All that and more, Carmela, Part 2, now.
Episode 356, The Rant: Carmela Garcia, Part 2, The Return.
January 25, 2022 01:37 - 27 minutes - 38 MBSteady progress has been made all pandemic long for one Carmela Garcia, and it shows. Mentally, physically, the growth has been exponential. In this pod, we chop it up with her, to talk Soccer and Hoops, how she’s taken her craft and cancellations both in strde, and the vast improvement within life and well-being overall, all through finding purpose in officiating. All that and more, Carmela, Part 2, now.
Episode 355, The Rant: Kevin Hanifan.
January 21, 2022 13:14 - 2 hours - 184 MBFormer Head Coach of the Boy’s Varsity Football Team at Kellenberg Memorial High School, basking in retirement, forever a Firebird. Almost since the school's inception, Coach Hanifan has been there. In this pod, we sit down with the newly retired legend to discuss his early life in Hicksville, NY, his love of sports, how he got his foot in the door at Kellenberg, that has led him to his long winding, and long withstanding journey - all the while, bleeding Blue and Gold. Literally and figura...
Episode 355, The Rant: Kevin Hanifan.
January 21, 2022 13:14 - 2 hours - 184 MBFormer Head Coach of the Boy’s Varsity Football Team at Kellenberg Memorial High School, basking in retirement, forever a Firebird. Almost since the school's inception, Coach Hanifan has been there. In this pod, we sit down with the newly retired legend to discuss his early life in Hicksville, NY, his love of sports, how he got his foot in the door at Kellenberg, that has led him to his long winding, and long withstanding journey - all the while, bleeding Blue and Gold. Lit...
Episode 354, The Rant: Justin Bailey, Part 3 - The Return.
January 19, 2022 14:52 - 35 minutes - 48.8 MBBoard 119 Certified Basketball Official, Owner and Operator of the outfit, Ref Corner. It was a pandemic ago since we linked up. In person, and still in it, we chop it up at the chop shop to discuss what Justin has been up to, his officiating experience in Omicron, his sabbatical on social media, his change in perspective in 2022, and what the future holds with reffing, Ref Corner, and beyond. All that and more, part 3 with Justin, now.
Episode 354, The Rant: Justin Bailey, Part 3 - The Return.
January 19, 2022 14:52 - 35 minutes - 48.8 MBBoard 119 Certified Basketball Official, Owner and Operator of the outfit, Ref Corner. It was a pandemic ago since we linked up. In person, and still in it, we chop it up at the chop shop to discuss what Justin has been up to, his officiating experience in Omicron, his sabbatical on social media, his change in perspective in 2022, and what the future holds with reffing, Ref Corner, and beyond. All that and more, part 3 with Justin, now.
Episode 353, The Rant: Jack Cella.
January 19, 2022 14:50 - 49 minutes - 68 MBBoard 185 Certified Basketball Official. In hot pursuit of his goal of being an NCAA Division 1 Official - All while displaying it through - The Official Grind. Right before the Pandemic, Jack converted from a Coach to a Basketball Official. In this pod, we discuss his early life growing up in Staten Island, NY, his love of sports, how he got into officiating, and goals moving forward and beyond, and documenting his journey in his pursuit of being a College Official in his YouTube channel, ...
Episode 353, The Rant: Jack Cella.
January 19, 2022 14:50 - 49 minutes - 68 MBBoard 185 Certified Basketball Official. In hot pursuit of his goal of being an NCAA Division 1 Official - All while displaying it through - The Official Grind. Right before the Pandemic, Jack converted from a Coach to a Basketball Official. In this pod, we discuss his early life growing up in Staten Island, NY, his love of sports, how he got into officiating, and goals moving forward and beyond, and documenting his journey in his pursuit of being a College Official in his ...
Episode 352, The Rant: Malachi Wilson.
January 13, 2022 01:42 - 48 minutes - 66.2 MBBoard 41 Certified Basketball Official. Teaching others to become a Millionaire, they Methodical Way. Malachi and I have shared the same passion of Basketball, simultaneously, in different circles, for more than half of our lives. In this pod, we sit down with Malachi to discuss his love for the sport, transforming that to reffing, making money doing it - and making the money work for him. So much so that he is on a crusade, united with me, to teach others his maniacal ways all while introdu...
Episode 352, The Rant: Malachi Wilson.
January 13, 2022 01:42 - 48 minutes - 66.2 MBBoard 41 Certified Basketball Official. Teaching others to become a Millionaire, they Methodical Way. Malachi and I have shared the same passion of Basketball, simultaneously, in different circles, for more than half of our lives. In this pod, we sit down with Malachi to discuss his love for the sport, transforming that to reffing, making money doing it - and making the money work for him. So much so that he is on a crusade, united with me, to teach others his maniacal ways ...
Episode 351, The Rant: Marty Chiffriller - Part 2, The Return.
January 09, 2022 14:25 - 37 minutes - 52 MBIt’s the holidays, and the beats and rhythms of the Basketball season are as normal as it can be. Knocking on wood, we get together before the thick of the holidays to catch up, to discuss the evolution of the pandemic, his experience in reffing the 21’-22’ season, and the strange nature of what normal is in officiating Basketball. All that and more, my conversation with Marty, now.
Episode 351, The Rant: Marty Chiffriller - Part 2, The Return.
January 09, 2022 14:25 - 37 minutes - 52 MBIt’s the holidays, and the beats and rhythms of the Basketball season are as normal as it can be. Knocking on wood, we get together before the thick of the holidays to catch up, to discuss the evolution of the pandemic, his experience in reffing the 21’-22’ season, and the strange nature of what normal is in officiating Basketball. All that and more, my conversation with Marty, now.
Episode 350, The Rant: Bernard Bowen Sr. Part 3, or is it 4?
December 06, 2021 18:22 - 55 minutes - 102 MBOwner of Bball Referees & Vice President of IAABO Board 42. * For almost 300 Episodes, Bernard has been a guiding, shining light for my career, every step of the way. In this pod we catch up with Bernard, as we discuss his new post as vice prez of the Bronx/Manhattan board of Boy’s HS Basketball, his growth in Bball Referees, assigning refs in a pandemic, and how all things virtual evolutionized officiating. All that and more, my conversation with Bernard, now.
Episode 350, The Rant: Bernard Bowen Sr. Part 3, or is it 4?
December 06, 2021 18:22 - 55 minutes - 102 MBOwner of Bball Referees & Vice President of IAABO Board 42. * For almost 300 Episodes, Bernard has been a guiding, shining light for my career, every step of the way. In this pod we catch up with Bernard, as we discuss his new post as vice prez of the Bronx/Manhattan board of Boy’s HS Basketball, his growth in Bball Referees, assigning refs in a pandemic, and how all things virtual evolutionized officiating. All that and more, my conversation with Bernard, now. ...
Episode 349, The Rant: A Conversation about the 2021 Girl’s Varsity Volleyball Team at Kellenberg Memorial HS - The Champs!
November 15, 2021 23:22 - 1 hour - 160 MBIt’s been a long, winding, intense, and grueling season. But it’s complete - and what a ride it's been. In this pod, co-hosted with Coach Splendore, Uniondale Girl’s Volleyball Coach about the season I had, that he had, and what it meant to us. All that and more, our conversation, all things Volleyball now.
Episode 349, The Rant: A Conversation about the 2021 Girl’s Varsity Volleyball Team at Kellenberg Memorial HS - The Champs!
November 15, 2021 23:22 - 1 hour - 160 MBIt’s been a long, winding, intense, and grueling season. But it’s complete - and what a ride it's been. In this pod, co-hosted with Coach Splendore, Uniondale Girl’s Volleyball Coach about the season I had, that he had, and what it meant to us. All that and more, our conversation, all things Volleyball now.
Episode 348, The Rant: Justin Joseph - Part 2, The Return.
October 20, 2021 20:18 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MBIt’s the pandemic now and it was the pandemic before since the last time we spoke. In this pod, we catch up in time of the interim, where we talk about how he has still been getting his fill playing, being around the game always, and what the future holds. All that and more, Justin Joseph, part 2, now.
Episode 348, The Rant: Justin Joseph - Part 2, The Return.
October 20, 2021 20:18 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MBIt’s the pandemic now and it was the pandemic before since the last time we spoke. In this pod, we catch up in time of the interim, where we talk about how he has still been getting his fill playing, being around the game always, and what the future holds. All that and more, Justin Joseph, part 2, now.
Episode 347, The Rant: Kevin Carp
October 18, 2021 16:41 - 44 minutes - 61.7 MBFormer Head Coach Varsity Boy’s Basketball Team at Northshore High School, Educator, Lightning Director, and Owner of Mecca Basketball. It was only a matter of time until I’d get Coach Carp on the Rant! On this pod, we discuss his love of basketball and his come-up playing it, his entree into coaching on an unforgettable JV season, to coaching at the varsity level, and pivoting because of COVID 19 as a Lightning Director and trainer at Mecca Basketball. All that and more, my conversatio...
Episode 347, The Rant: Kevin Carp
October 18, 2021 16:41 - 44 minutes - 61.7 MBFormer Head Coach Varsity Boy’s Basketball Team at Northshore High School, Educator, Lightning Director, and Owner of Mecca Basketball. It was only a matter of time until I’d get Coach Carp on the Rant! On this pod, we discuss his love of basketball and his come-up playing it, his entree into coaching on an unforgettable JV season, to coaching at the varsity level, and pivoting because of COVID 19 as a Lightning Director and trainer at Mecca Basketball. All that and mor...
Episode 346, #therant: Brendan Beiersdorfer.
September 30, 2021 17:06 - 1 hour - 69 MBFormer Track Runner, Music Teacher, Board 41 Certified Basketball Official. Prodigious is an appropriate word to describe one Brendan. In this pod, we discuss his love of sports, his love of music, his love of teaching, how his pandemic has changed over time and in life, as well as his pursuit to get to the highest levels of officiating. All that and mote, my conversation with Brendan, now.
Episode 346, #therant: Brendan Beiersdorfer.
September 30, 2021 17:06 - 1 hour - 69 MBFormer Track Runner, Music Teacher, Board 41 Certified Basketball Official. Prodigious is an appropriate word to describe one Brendan. In this pod, we discuss his love of sports, his love of music, his love of teaching, how his pandemic has changed over time and in life, as well as his pursuit to get to the highest levels of officiating. All that and mote, my conversation with Brendan, now.
Episode 345, The Rant: Jake Ellis.
September 27, 2021 15:46 - 1 hour - 89.1 MBHead Honcho of Long Island Basketball and Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball Team at St. John the Baptist. First off, my apologies to Jake. We recorded a few months before the pandemic, in the throw of it, and in the throw of it again. But this time, in person, we chop it up at the Chop Shop to discuss his COVID experience, how he balances work, coaching, and life, and what he expects for the upcoming season. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Ellis, ...
Episode 345, The Rant: Jake Ellis.
September 27, 2021 15:46 - 1 hour - 89.1 MBHead Honcho of Long Island Basketball and Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball Team at St. John the Baptist. First off, my apologies to Jake. We recorded a few months before the pandemic, in the throw of it, and in the throw of it again. But this time, in person, we chop it up at the Chop Shop to discuss his COVID experience, how he balances work, coaching, and life, and what he expects for the upcoming season. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Ellis, now.
Episode 344, The Rant: Tim Jinks - Part 2, The Return.
September 21, 2021 15:23 - 37 minutes - 51 MBIt’s been a whirlwind of life since we last spoke 2 years ago. A Career Change, moving, Corona Virus - Tim chops it up at the chop shop to talk about all these changes, his Summer of 2021, and getting his footing back in officiating. All that and more, Tim Jinks - Part 2 - now.
Episode 344, The Rant: Tim Jinks - Part 2, The Return.
September 21, 2021 15:23 - 37 minutes - 51 MBIt’s been a whirlwind of life since we last spoke 2 years ago. A Career Change, moving, Corona Virus - Tim chops it up at the chop shop to talk about all these changes, his Summer of 2021, and getting his footing back in officiating. All that and more, Tim Jinks - Part 2 - now.
Episode 343, The Rant: Hector Blaise.
September 16, 2021 15:55 - 1 hour - 114 MBQueensborough Community College Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Middle School Teacher, St. John’s and Molloy College Alumni - all with a smile! As mentioned, the smile is infectious. Peep the JPEGS! In this pod, we chop it up with Coach Blaise about his humble beginnings in Queens, his realization that he was always meant to teach and coach, his experience at St. Johns and Molloy, his stint at LuHi and AAU program Empire, as well as his new Head Coaching position at Queensborough. All th...